Historic Biloxi church now is entertainment venue with posh vacation rentals
It started life as a church and the stained glass and other hints of its sacred past remain as The Sanctuary is transformed into one of the hottest entertainment venues and trendy vacation rentals in town.
Jason Stearman, who also owns Coastal Development Group, bought the former Trinity Baptist Church in 2022. The large building was badly damaged during Hurricane Katrina and the property was too much to maintain for the 18 or so parishioners who still attended church there.
“When I first walked the property, I was like, I could make this an event space. I could turn the upstairs into Airbnbs,” Stearman said.
He invested $2 million to convert the building at 156 Camellia St. into The Sanctuary.
Together with Jennifer Miller, owner of Jennuwine Design, they created an event space with a stage, seating area, a bar and a VIP balcony offering the best seats in the house and private restrooms. The former baptismal space over the stage became a DJ booth.
They host events every week — private events, concerts, pro wrestling and, in keeping with its history, Coast City Church holds non denominational services at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday.
While the service fills the main hall with praise, the monthly comedy night fills it with laughter.
“We teamed up with Lunch Box Comedy, and we have an exclusive agreement with them,” Stearman said. Lunch Box Comedy doesn’t do any performances within 100 miles of Biloxi and they bring their A list talent to The Sanctuary.
“We had Ahren Belisle here recently,” Stearman said. Known as “the mute comedian” since he has cerebral palsy and uses his phone to tell his jokes, he finished in the top 11 on American’s Got Talent.
Revving up the events
Now they are venturing into festivals and more special events.
A comedy festival is planned for Memorial Day Weekend and tribute bands to Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Elton John are all coming up in May.
Their biggest event to date is Bikin’ the Beach, a four-day motorcycle event at The Sanctuary June 5-8.
“ I ride motorcycles and have gone to all these festivals and rallies forever all over the country,” Stearman said. He wondered why the Coast doesn’t have a bike rally, with its “perfect” weather and Cruisin’ The Coast for cars, and said it just made sense for The Sanctuary to host one.
They are planning for thousands of motorcycles and $20 million of economic impact for South Mississippi this first year. Thirty bands will play at The Sanctuary and on the waterfront at Treasure Bay Casino. They’ll also have a beer garden, tattoo artists, stunt shows and circus oddities, food trucks and a vendor village.
Stearman has decorated his office with his office a pool table, his golf clubs, guitars and a Hendrix poster, and The Sanctuary is just as diverse.
It’s hosting a teachers convention, private parties and Bud Tenders Awards for those who work in medical marijuana stores. Instead of the red carpet, “We’re rolling out the green carpet,” Miller said.
They’re also bringing in the kids. Marshall, the firefighter pup from Paw Patrol, arrived on a Biloxi Fire Truck and a princess ball in September will give kids ages 3-10 a chance to dress as their favorite characters in September.
The Saints at The Sanctuary
After the concert or special event, some people just go upstairs to sleep.
Using all their creativity — along with art and treasures Stearman collected in his world travels and Miller’s own brand of comfort mattresses — they fashioned six vacation rentals they call The Saints at The Sanctuary.
“They’re really like condos, not like hotels, and they are truly themed,” he said, and everyone who books there will have their favorite.
Miller researched patron saints and used her design skills to carry the theme.
The Saint Vitus suite, named for the patron saint of actors, dancers and comedians, has a kitchenette and a piano bar, repurposed from one of nine old upright pianos that came with the building.
Named for Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, this unit showcases the treasures Stearman collected, like a monkey lamp in the bedroom, safari animals throughout, German steins on the shelves, a world map Miller and Stearman created and a desk built with one of those pianos.
Saint Catherine of Bologna, the patron saint of artists, is the only two-bedroom unit and perfect for a girls’ getaway since it also has pull-out beds to sleep up to eight. This is over-the-top colorful and fun, with hanging wicker swings, paint-splashed furniture and kisses on the wallpaper.
There’s even a nod to Saint Gaetano, patron saint of gamblers. The common room features poker tables and games to provide a place where guests can hang out.
The Sanctuary has become just that — a fun place to stay and a blend of history and entertainment.
